By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Britain's High Court came down with a landmark decision that mainly sided with Stability AI in its defence of a copyright lawsuit brought by Getty Images. The U.S.-based Getty Images is the largest image seller in the world, particularly after its merger in January this year with primary competitor ShutterStock. But Getty Images … [Read more...] about Stability AI Prevails in Getty Images Copyright Fight
Licensing Law
Vermillio Lets IP Rights Holders Fight AI, With AI
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The threat of copyright infringement and IP theft has hit a new high with the introduction of generative AI. Every day, millions of images, songs, and videos are created by artificial intelligence, based on existing intellectual property. Somewhat surprisingly, the white knight coming to save the day is wielding the sword of AI … [Read more...] about Vermillio Lets IP Rights Holders Fight AI, With AI
Crowdsourcing Authenticity: Octane5 Says Future of Brand Protection Lies with Consumers
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Counterfeit goods have always been the dark underbelly of the licensing industry. From fake Disney merchandise to knockoff handbags and collectible toys, illicit products drain billions from legitimate companies while eroding consumer trust. The challenge has grown more complex in recent years as counterfeiters leverage global … [Read more...] about Crowdsourcing Authenticity: Octane5 Says Future of Brand Protection Lies with Consumers
Opinion: Laburglary in LA a Sign the Age of Labubu is Here
By Gary Symons Do you have a Labubu hanging from your handbag yet? Is Pop Mart's licensing department on your speed dial? If not, you may already behind on the year's hottest fashion trend (using the term 'fashion' very loosely indeed), because the hot as Hades Labubu doll has clearly arrived, having passed The Licensing Letter's scientifically calculated test for … [Read more...] about Opinion: Laburglary in LA a Sign the Age of Labubu is Here
Moonvalley Launches ‘Ethical AI’, Amid Concerns Over Copyright in AI Training
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Can generative AI be ethical, and respect the copyright of human creators? The AI research company Moonvalley says it can, and has just launched a new AI model called Marey that creates video, but does so while respecting the copyright of the content with which it was trained. Given the global concern over alleged copyright violation by … [Read more...] about Moonvalley Launches ‘Ethical AI’, Amid Concerns Over Copyright in AI Training
Analysis: Trump Tariffs on Film a Disaster Movie Plot for Hollywood and Licensing
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief In a move straight out of a blockbuster political drama, former President Donald Trump has imposed a 100% tariff on foreign-made films. The president issued notice on a full-scale trade offensive to save what he called the “dying” American movie industry. The bare bones announcement has raised concerns not just among foreign film … [Read more...] about Analysis: Trump Tariffs on Film a Disaster Movie Plot for Hollywood and Licensing
“Licensee Survival Handbook” a How-To Guide to IP Licensing
TLL Staff Licensing industry veterans Greg Battersby and Danny Simon have launched their latest book, Licensee Survival Handbook, aimed squarely at manufacturers and licensees. Written specifically for anyone looking to navigate the often complex and competitive world of intellectual property licensing, the book, endorsed by trade association Licensing International, is being … [Read more...] about “Licensee Survival Handbook” a How-To Guide to IP Licensing
Licensing Veterans Release Comprehensive Guide: ‘Fundamentals of Licensing’
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Greg Battersby and Danny Simon have released their latest book, Fundamentals of Licensing. The how-to guide covers every aspect of developing and managing a licensing program from inception to execution, aiming to maximize profitability. Designed for both newcomers and experienced professionals, the book provides insights into best … [Read more...] about Licensing Veterans Release Comprehensive Guide: ‘Fundamentals of Licensing’
Opinion: Grok 2 Shows We Need New Copyright Laws for AI and Social Media
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If you thought artificial intelligence posed a threat to your intellectual property before, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. The AI model Grok, released by the Elon Musk-owned developer xAI, has already raised new concerns over copyright infringement since the Grok 2 update was released in August last year. Unlike other AI chatbots that … [Read more...] about Opinion: Grok 2 Shows We Need New Copyright Laws for AI and Social Media
Warner’s Claim to Superman Brand Hit With Legal Kryptonite
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The estate of Superman co-creator Joseph Shuster has filed a copyright lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). The suit comes as Warner and DC Comics are filming a new Superman film as a the anchor to a major reboot of the DC Universe. But the Shuster estate has revealed what it believes is some legal kryptonite, claiming that the … [Read more...] about Warner’s Claim to Superman Brand Hit With Legal Kryptonite